Beneath The Surface

The Power of Mentors & Role Models

Episode Summary

Rajiv Sudan on how being mentored transformed his career and why role models are vital for a truly diverse industry

Episode Notes

Rajiv Sudan first joined the water sector in a junior non-graduate traineeship position and has worked his way up to being Major Projects Director at Mott MacDonald.

It was being mentored that gave his career a launch pad - enabling him to proceed with confidence with a guiding voice and a levelled-up network of contacts. Now he himself mentors others and does what he can to make sure that people without privilege see people like themselves in senior positions.

In this revealing and inspiring conversation Rajiv talks to host Perminder Atwal about a variety of subjects including:

• Why role models from under-represented backgrounds need to be visible in real positions of authority to show the path
• How finding the right mentor requires some self-analysis and self-starting from the mentee
• The value of reverse-mentoring 
• What senior leaders in the water sector can do to improve their ability to find and keep talented young people from untapped pathways
• The power of just asking someone you admire to have a conversation with you... you'll be surprised how often you get a "Yes"
• Practical and positive steps you can take if you are unhappy with the progress you are making in your career, especially if you are someone who has not had the early-life advantages others may have had

This is an important and instructive listen for people at all levels of the water sector - you will get ideas on how you can improve your own career and future and/or the quality and range of people you recruit... or both.